New Zealand has announced it will not recognize a Palestinian state at the present time, diverging from the recent stance of several of its traditional allies. Australia, Canada, and Britain all recognized a Palestinian state on Sunday, putting New Zealand in a different position on the matter. This decision highlights a difference in approach to the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict compared to some of New Zealand’s closest international partners.
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Nathan Gill, former leader of Reform UK in Wales and a former MEP, pleaded guilty to eight counts of bribery. The charges stem from statements he made in the European Parliament and written opinions supporting a pro-Russia narrative, allegedly in exchange for financial rewards. Gill admitted to accepting money to make specific statements, as tasked by a former Ukrainian politician. The offenses occurred between 2018 and 2019, during his time as an MEP representing Wales. He was first elected as a UKIP member, and his role ended when the UK left the EU.
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In an interview, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian criticized the compulsory hijab and crackdowns, stating individuals have a right to choose. He also welcomed international nuclear inspections while commenting on reports of renewed construction at an underground site near Natanz, which may be intended to rebuild Iran’s nuclear program. Despite his moderate stance, observers note that Pezeshkian has limited power. Pezeshkian warned against actions that could “set fire” to the region while declaring that Iran will defend itself against any attacks.
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During his address to the United Nations General Assembly, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to “finish the job” in Gaza despite growing international isolation and calls for a ceasefire. He directed his speech towards Israeli hostages and Hamas fighters, while also criticizing countries recognizing Palestine as a state. Netanyahu, with support from President Trump, stated that Israel would continue military operations, even as the U.S. privately warned against annexation of the West Bank. Amidst increasing pressure, Netanyahu rejected condemnation of Israel and asserted that Israel would not buckle under the pressure.
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To prevent Hungary from obstructing Russia-related sanctions, the EU is considering altering its sanctions extension process. The European Commission proposes a shift from unanimous voting to a qualified majority when renewing sanctions, which currently require unanimous approval every six months. This initiative is linked to a planned loan to Ukraine financed by frozen Russian assets. This change aims to bypass potential Hungarian vetoes, ensuring the continued enforcement of sanctions against Russia and preventing Moscow from regaining access to frozen funds.
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A senior Hamas official defended the October 7 attacks on Israel, claiming it created a “golden moment” for the Palestinian cause despite the tens of thousands of deaths in Gaza. In a recent interview, Ghazi Hamad highlighted increased international condemnation of Israel and growing recognition of Palestinian statehood, while refusing to accept responsibility for the consequences faced by civilians in Gaza. He further dismissed criticism of Hamas and maintained the group’s commitment to its armed resistance, even as calls for disarmament grow and negotiations remain stalled. The official also accused the U.S. of bias in mediating the conflict and expressed the group’s refusal to surrender.
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Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó has accused President Zelenskyy of an “anti-Hungarian obsession” amid escalating tensions. This response follows a period of worsening relations between the two countries, fueled by Budapest’s opposition to Ukraine’s EU accession and recent actions, including the bombing of the Druzhba oil pipeline. In response to entry bans imposed by Hungary on a Ukrainian commander, Ukraine reciprocated with bans on Hungarian military officials. Szijjártó further claimed that Ukraine has pursued an “anti-Hungarian policy” for a decade.
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North Korean authorities are intensifying crackdowns on young people, specifically targeting expressions of love deemed indicative of “decadent lifestyles.” An incident involving a love letter discovered during a factory inspection led to a public struggle session where the writer was condemned for using romantic phrases like “I love you.” Officials view this as a violation of laws against foreign influence, as they routinely inspect electronic devices for consumption of foreign media. This event highlights the regime’s efforts to control personal expression and suppress any perceived challenge to its ideology, sparking public criticism and disbelief.
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As Windows 10’s end-of-support date rapidly approaches, Microsoft is making significant changes to its Extended Security Updates (ESU) program in the European Economic Area (EEA). Due to pressure from the Euroconsumers group, Microsoft will offer ESU free of charge to EEA users without requiring Windows Backup. This removes the previous requirement for users to enable Windows Backup, which involved a Microsoft Account and OneDrive. However, users in the EEA will still need to sign into their Microsoft account at least once every 60 days to continue receiving ESU updates, while users outside of the EEA will still need to either enable Windows Backup or pay for the updates.
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Speaking at a recent event, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk cautioned that Russia harbors hostile intentions towards the global community, urging European allies to maintain unity and vigilance. Tusk’s remarks followed reports of Russian drone incursions into Polish airspace, highlighting the urgency of addressing Moscow’s aggressive behavior. In response to these incidents, Andrius Kubilius, a European Commissioner, proposed the development of a “drone wall” along the EU’s eastern border, potentially utilizing technologies proven effective in Ukraine. This initiative underscores the need for proactive measures to safeguard against potential future threats.
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John Q. Hosedrinker